The Petit Socco

We are in the Petit Socco, at the end of Siaghine Street. This was once the bustling heart of the old neighborhood, commonly known as the Medina.

Toward the end of the 19th century, when the area began to be illuminated, civil buildings such as the Spanish Legation and the first post office were built here.

The colors of the fruits and vegetables, the scent of spices, and the calls of the merchants will awaken your senses, giving you a glimpse of a lively, wonderful place.

In the alleys of the Petit Socco—called Souk Dakhel in Arabic—you’ll find a busy market where people from the countryside once came to sell their goods.

At the beginning of the 20th century, recreational venues transformed the square. Cafés, restaurants, and casinos multiplied, and places like Café des Postes, Café Central, Café Fuentes, Café España, and Café de la Bourse became popular meeting spots for journalists, writers, and artists, both local and foreign.

At night, the atmosphere changes, reminding us that the dark, mysterious alleys around the Petit Socco were once frequented by smugglers and criminals.

Today, the Petit Socco is a tourist square. You can sit and daydream, imagining the wild stories that once animated the place. In cafés like Tingis or Central, enjoy a Moroccan tea, just as many celebrities did—from Tennessee Williams to Jack Kerouac, William Burroughs, and the famous writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.